This month some of our Status offices held Time to Talk day events to encourage conversations about mental health, especially around topics that can sometimes feel difficult to talk about.

Participants from our Workforce Australia – Transition to Work program and our Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program, came together for the events, which provided a safe and supportive space to talk openly about mental health.

Status Clarkson hosted an interactive quiz event that encouraged conversations while building awareness and knowledge.

By hosting a quiz, our Participants were able to:
• Learn about mental health facts and issues
• Reduce stigma in a supportive environment
• Share experiences with their peers
• Discover helpful resources available to them
• Challenge common myths and misconceptions
• Understand the importance of early intervention and seeking help

After the quiz, everyone enjoyed lunch together and continued informal discussions about what they had learned.

At Status Joondalup, Participants enjoyed a relaxed wellbeing session where they could unwind and get creative by creating collages of items that support their wellbeing, while connecting and sharing food with each another. The activities helped highlight how taking time for mindful moments can support wellbeing and make it easier to start conversations about mental health in an informal, low-pressure way.

Participants left each event with greater awareness about mental health and the resources available to them.

Simon first connected with Status in December 2024 while navigating challenging personal circumstances, including caring for his ageing parents. Although he was often unable to attend appointments due to responsibilities at home, Simon was highly motivated to find work.

Our team worked alongside Simon to help facilitate care for his parents, while also exploring job opportunities aligned with his interests and strengths. To begin, his Employment Consultants supported him to obtain photo ID and update his resume and cover letter to reflect his skills and previous experience. With a focus on sales roles, the team then assisted Simon with job searching and applications.

During this time, Simon experienced additional responsibilities and a personal tragedy. The team accommodated this through flexible servicing, including phone appointments, allowing Simon the space and time he needed before returning to face-to-face support. They also helped him put personal care arrangements in place for his loved ones, giving Simon the confidence and capacity to focus on his employment goals.

Simon’s Employment Consultant supported him to apply for a Casual Sales Assistant role at a soon to be opened Barbeques Galore store. From here the team worked with Simon on his interview skills and also referred him to Geared for Success for an interview styling session. From all his hard work, Simon nailed the interview and got the role!

The position aligned perfectly with Simon’s sales experience and his passion for BBQing and smoking meat. He quickly became the lead for in-store cooking demonstrations and was promoted to Duty Manager, followed by Store Manager in under six months.

Simon describes himself as the happiest he has ever been and says he is living his dream job. He credits his success to the support he received from Status throughout his journey.

Congratulations on your incredible achievements, Simon. We wish you all the best for what’s ahead!

During the holiday period, Workforce Australia – Transition to Work Participants came together with Inclusive Employment Australia Participants at Status Clarkson for a relaxed Christmas Eve morning focused on mindfulness and creativity.

The morning began with a presentation on the Compassion Method, a simple yet powerful technique celebrated for its numerous mental health benefits, including increased empathy, reduced stress, and enhanced emotional resilience. Participants also had the opportunity to try their hand at diamond art, a popular craft that combines patience with artistic expression, adding a festive sparkle to the event.

In the spirit of giving, attendees were also invited to select items from the December Tinned Food Drive, helping support Participants in need during the holiday season.

Our Participants had a blast at the event, leaving relaxed and inspired after a morning of mindfulness!

ANNE is a shining example that even in tough times, you can choose your own path forward. Three years ago, Anne was working inconsistent hours in an unsupportive environment, unsure how to make a career change while managing the rising cost of living. That’s when she first connected with Status Employment Services, with a goal to find more stable and supportive employment.

Working closely with Status’ disability employment team, Anne was able to access mental health support through Status’ allied health service (BlueSky Mind Studio), as well as attend an interview styling session with Dress for Success Adelaide, where she received professional clothing and confidence-building interview preparation tips.
Fully prepared for job searching, Anne met with one of Status’ Employer Engagement Consultants to explore career options and opportunities that suited her lifestyle. Soon after, she was interviewing for roles as an Individual Support Worker.

“I appreciated staff organising a job interview, held at the Status office, made it easy for me to get to and in a familiar place” says Anne, who started work soon after.
The Status team has continued to support Anne in her new role through regular appointments, helping her enrol in training, providing petrol vouchers to assist with travel to clients’ homes, and supplying work uniforms.

Of her experience with Status, Anne says, “The support I get is excellent, helping me maintain employment.”

We’re proud to be an ongoing part of Anne’s career journey.

If you are living with a disability or health condition and looking for suitable and meaningful employment, get in touch! Our team delivers the new Inclusive Employment Australia program from 40 sites across South and Western Australia. Find more information about our offices and employment programs at status.net.au/contact.

Last week, Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) Participant Kat celebrated an incredible milestone, becoming the first placement for our IEA team in Western Australia!

Kat joined Status in July 2025, having previously worked as a support worker but faced several obstacles, including health challenges and a car accident that left her without a vehicle, making it difficult for her to return to work.

When Kat first expressed her desire to return to support work, her Employment Consultant, Sue, took a compassionate and strategic approach. Recognising Kat’s aspirations and concerns, Sue discussed realistic timelines and the necessary training to help her achieve her goal. Through her network, Sue connected with the employer, Komplete Care, and worked with Kat to review her existing qualifications, identify what needed updating and determine any new certifications required.

Despite her initial nerves and health challenges, Kat committed herself wholeheartedly. With Sue’s guidance, she completed essential steps one by one: a first aid course, NDIS clearance, police check and working with children check.

All that hard work paid off when she officially started her new role! Kat is now thriving and already planning to increase her hours as she settles into her new chapter.

Please join us in congratulating Kat on this exciting step in her journey!